You can find detailed instructions along with pictures for just about any Pilates mat exercise you are looking for right here at pilates.about.com. Written instructions offer a lot of benefits in that you can take your time studying them and practice at your own pace. Also, they often offer more depth than you find in a video clip. That said, witnessing a beautifully performed move can provide useful insight into an exercise.
I've been on the lookout for good videos and podcasts to recommend. Internet offerings are changing all the time, so check back as I update my finds. My criteria are that the video be free, easy to see, performed with excellent form, and that verbal instructions are clear if provided.
My top choices for free online video clips to date are:
- Pilates Videos at About.com: About.com teamed up with Pilates on Fifth to create some very good Pilates exercise videos that you can view right here at pilates.about.com. I've put together a list with links to each video along with a brief description of each one.
- Balanced Body Podcasts: Balanced Body has put together a very nice, and varied, series of podcasts. These videos are downloadable, and divided into focus categories. There are sections for instructors, enthusiasts, and rehabilitation; and also one called Elizabeth's Studio which features Pilates expert, Elizabeth Larkam, teaching on a variety of topics. Balanced body updates these videos weekly.
- YouTube: There has been an explosion of Pilates videos posted on YouTube. The problem with them is that the quality is very uneven. Some of the fist choices that come up when you search "Pilates" are not very good. So you really have to be careful. If you are new to Pilates, do not depend on YouTube videos! On the other hand, wonderful Pilates demonstrations can be found on YouTube. Some of the very best are archival footage of Joseph Pilates himself. Just search "Joseph Pilates". Of the archival videos, one of my favorites is Joseph Pilates with his protege, Romana Kryzanowska. See: Pilates and Romana Original Video
- Samsara Pole Studio: (a youtube channel) The videos on this site offer a very contemporary approach to Pilates. I think they are both interesting and genuinely informative. Mari Macourek demonstrates beautifully in her videos: "Rolling Around", "Pilates Reformer", and "Pilates Cadillac Practice". Rolling Around" is not really Pilates but it demonstrates the principles perfectly and is wonderful to watch. Mari also gives very clear explanations in "pelvic floor 1" and "About the Pilates Reformer". The videos are mixed in with pole dance practice videos, so pick and choose your interest.
- Pilates on Fifth: Before we got Pilates on Fifth to make some videos for us here at Pilates.About.com, these were my favorite videos online. Here, the owners of Pilates on Fifth, Katherine and Kimberly Corp, demonstrate the mat exercises with excellent form and instruct with an appealing, gentle attitude. Watch the ones above and then go here to explore more exercises.
The Corp sisters have also launched a new website devoted to online videos of Pilates exercises, including equipment exercise which can be hard to find. This is a site you join, but the first level is free. The link for that is ultimatepilatesworkouts.com
- VideoJug.com: You will find a great variety of videos here, all from the same instructor who is (unfortunately) not named. There is basic Pilates mat work as well as exercises with equipment like the exercise ball and the fitness band.
- Jillian Hessel: Jillian Hessel is an accomplished Pilates instructor. These are mostly promotional clips but they are still instructive. There is also a clip of Joseph Pilates working out -- something you don't get to see everyday. You need QuickTime to view these clips.
Of course, a clip is just a clip. If you want to further your practice with more extensive video workouts, you may want to read the Pilates DVD reviews here at pilates.about.com .
One of the best ways to take advantage of exercises that you find on video clips is to also look them up in the Pilates mat exercise instructions so that you can get more detailed instruction to go with the video.
Do you have a favorite online Pilates video? Tell us about it in the Pilates Forum.
